Competition among university students for jobs has led many to spend lavish amounts of money on their physical appearance.

Students, especially women, say they need a competitive edge and want to look better to impress prospective employers.

More than 2,000 students lined up Tuesday outside Qunlin Photography Workshop, one of the most popular photo studios and nicknamed "magic studio" by students, to make reservations for a session.

Students will be charged 50 yuan (US$6) for makeup application and a set of job-seeking photos, double the regular price.

Others are spending money on expensive suits, going to beauty salons or even having cosmetic surgery, all just to enhance their competitiveness in the job market.

Zhu Lin, a senior at East China University of Politics and Law, spent about 1,000 yuan (US$121)to have her hair treated and dyed this week to prepare for an upcoming campus recruitment fair by multinational firms. Zhu, who has no income, also purchased a line of skin-care products as well as several suits this semester.

She has spent a total of 3,000 yuan (US$363), her scholarship savings. "I already have a deficit and almost have to starve starting next month," Zhu said.

Zhu said a couple of her classmates had cosmetic surgery to make their eyes bigger in preparation for future interviews. "Everyone wants to look great. That will help raise confidence for interviews," Zhu said.

She is not alone. A recent survey of 3,475 new university graduates indicates that more than 30 percent of students believe cosmetic surgery will improve their employment prospects.

However, investing large amounts of money on appearance is not wise, said Jim Yang, general manager of Beijing Management Personnel Consultant Services Co., which conducted the survey.

"For most positions, appearance plays only a tiny role in recruitment and getting hired," Yang said. "It is more important for students to compete with their internal qualities, skills and intelligence."

(Shanghai Daily October 20, 2004)